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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. PID can cause scar tissue that grows between internal organs and causes ongoing pelvic pain. It can also lead to ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. If left untreated, PID can lead to chronic infection. Also you may not be able to get pregnant.

What causes PID?

Bacteria cause PID. Often they are the same type of bacteria that causes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Who is at risk for PID?

Women of any age can get PID. But those at greater risk of PID from sexually transmitted bacteria include:

Women under 25 who are sexually active

Women of childbearing age

Women who use intrauterine devices (IUDs). The risk is only during the first 3 weeks of use.

Women who douche often

What are the symptoms of PID?

These are the most common symptoms of PID:

Pain and tenderness spread throughout the lower part of the belly

Pelvic pain

Increased foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Fever and chills

Vomiting and nausea

Pain during urination

Belly pain (upper right area)

Pain during sex

The symptoms of PID may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is PID diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a physical and pelvic exam. Other tests may include:

Exam of vagina and cervix samples under a microscope

Blood tests

Pap test. For this test, cells are taken from the cervix and checked under a microscope. It's used to find cancer, infection, or inflammation.

Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of the organs.

Laparoscopy. This is a minor procedure done using a thin tube (laparoscope) with a lens and a light. It is put into a cut (incision) in the belly (abdominal) wall to look at the reproductive tract.

Culdocentesis. For this test, the healthcare provider puts a needle into the pelvic cavity through the vaginal wall to get a sample of pus.

How is PID treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Antibiotic pills are used to treat PID, especially if it’s caused by a STD. For severe infection, you may need to stay in the hospital for IV (intravenous) antibiotics. Sometimes, you may need surgery.

Key points about PID

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries.

If PID is left untreated, you can develop chronic infection and infertility.

It is caused by bacteria, often the same type of bacteria that causes STDs.

Sexually active women under age 25, and those of childbearing age are at the greatest risk of getting PID from an STD.